Matthew’s killers have been tried, convicted and sentenced, but Sandra Martins-Toner and her family can’t escape their grief and the overwhelming sense of loss. They have channeled their anguish in to affirmative action for victims. The Last Six Minutes is the true account of the random and violent murder of 16-year-old Matthew Martins, and his family’s journey through the Canadian Criminal Justice System. Now the family is faced with the killers appeal and the torment of perhaps being subjected to yet another lengthy trial.
Now this is only the start and i am impressed.you go girl.Matty helping behind the scene and is so proud of you Sandra.Best of luck on your book launch call me when it going to happen.I am so happy for you and your family.
Hi Sandie;
I am feeling so many emotions for you. I have felt them all so many times over and over again. You have succeeded in accomplishing your goals from the most dispicable acts of human kind. The brutal death of your son. I will be reading your book, as I know each word written is stained with tears. Only a parent who has lived your life can truly feel what your family has been tormented with. Your site is beautiful, and I envy you for the progress you have made. Good luck with your book sales and signing…all the best Sarah
THIS STORY IS SO CLOSE TO MY HEART,MY SON WAS MURDERED 4 YEARS AGO(15 YOUTHS WITH BASEBALL BATS)THE KILLERS HAVE NEVER BEEN CAUGHT EVEN THOUGH WE(INCLUDING THE COPS)KNOW HOW DID THIS,,,LACK OF PROOF.IT SEAMS TO BE THE NORMAL NOW FOR PEOPLE TO JUST TAKE A LIFE AND THEN GET AWAY WITH IT.THERE IS NO DETERANT,,THE SYSTEM JUST SENDS OUT THE MESSAGE,,HEY WE DNT WANT THE EXPENSE OF A LONG TRIAL OR THE COST OF HOUSING YOU IN PRISON SO HEY YOUR FREE TO DO WHAT YOU LIKE-WE,LL THATS HOW I AND MANY OTHERS SEE IT.I HAVE TO WALK PAST THESE KILLERS(MY SONS MURDERERS) EVERYDAY,,I WATCH THEM LAUGH N JOKE AS IF NOTHING HAS CHANGED-BUT IT HAS FOR ME,,THE PARENT IN ME WANTS TO GRAB THEM AND STOP THERE LAUGHTER AS THEY HAVE STOPPED MINE,,BUT THE MAN IN ME WONT LET ME BECOME AS THEY ARE-COLD HEARTED KILLERS.JUSTICE WILL PROVAIL-IN THIS LIFE OR THE NEXT!!!!MY WARMEST WISHES GO OUT TO YOU,YOUR FAMILY AND ALL OTHERS IN THE WORLD WITH THE SAME EMPTY SHELF IN THERE HEART!!!!!!
I got this book last night and read it cover to cover. I was impressed with Sandra’s blend of facts and feelings.
One thing this book did for me was it made me feel……anger….disgust….anguish and sadness. I know that we are never going to stop the violence. There is always going to be drunk/drugged, mentally unstable people roaming around, but can’t we as a society come together and change the process.
The appeals have allowed victims families to be put through the ringer and intimidated, only because the people who should already be behind bars are roaming around free. Its disgusting…haven’t we learned anything?
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and wish Sandra all the best in her future projects. FACT is an amazing group of people and I fully support their quest for change.
Wow, what an amazing book written by an equally amazing woman. You won’t start this book and put it down, you’ll keep reading, and you’ll cry, you’ll get angry, you’ll be shocked, and sometimes, you’ll even smile. I truly think this is a must read for all Canadians – Sandie’s words and her organization FACT can start the journey but it will take all of us to really affect the change our justice system is so desperately in need of. From victims’ rights to the judicial process… it makes you wonder how some people in that field (particularly defense attorneys) can sleep at night.
Sandie has done a remarkable job giving her beautiful son, Matthew, a voice, and through his story, a voice for all victims – they are not just media stories for the moment, they deserve to be remembered and vindicated. Well done, Sandie, I will be passing this book on to my teenage children, my extended family and my friends. Thank you for sharing your story!
I read Sandie’s book this past weekend and I can honestly say that it is the first book I haven’t been able to put down. From the first page to the last I was captured and felt as if I was given a window into all that she’s experienced. From the heart-breaking first few chapters to the latter focusing on our legal system I was totally absorbed. Hearing the tragedy she faced and the suffering that accompanied it made even me, a 20 year old male choke up. The sadness I felt for her quickly turned to a deep hatred for Quinn and her supporters. It wasn’t enough for her to take Sandie’s son, but the complete lack of remorse teamed with the disgusting and vile treatment she forced Sandie to endure is unconscionable. I won’t go into further detail, but I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed Sandie’s book and hope that it will evoke a reaction in society that will fight the current apathy. To agree with Ali, this is a book all Canadians should read.
On a personal note to you Sandie, I’m not sure what I can say that you haven’t already heard, but I am tremendously sorry for your loss and in complete aw of your will to fight for changes in our so called “Justice” system. It was wonderful to see you at the F.A.C.T. fundraiser both this year and last and I look forward to future events as well as your second book.
Sandra Martins-Toner has written an amazing, well thought out memoir about the tragic death of her son and her horrific journey through our judicial system. Her story is filled with such raw emotions and description, that it compels you to continue reading right to the end. As a reader, you become one of the family, experiencing first hand the devastating tragedy that they endured. I was deeply moved by this book, and urge all people to read and embrace it’s message. Bravo Sandra!! You are truly an inspiration to us all!!!
Hi Sandra, I admire you for your strength and courage to write this book and am truly honored to be the book and cover designer and typesetter for it. I can only hope the book gets out the very important story you have to tell and becomes one step in the many ahead for closure for you and your family. Sincerely, Sue Balcer
I read this book and can honestly say it was the best book I have ever read…I read the entire book in 1 day…Once i started it I couldn’t stop till it was at the last page….My heart goes out to you and your family…Every little boy and girl out there needs parents like you guys….Keep up the good work and I hope that Justice is served..I bet Matty is sitting up there right now saying “yup that’s my mom and dad”….
The Last Six Minutes Book Trailer
Now this is only the start and i am impressed.you go girl.Matty helping behind the scene and is so proud of you Sandra.Best of luck on your book launch call me when it going to happen.I am so happy for you and your family.
Hi Sandie;
I am feeling so many emotions for you. I have felt them all so many times over and over again. You have succeeded in accomplishing your goals from the most dispicable acts of human kind. The brutal death of your son. I will be reading your book, as I know each word written is stained with tears. Only a parent who has lived your life can truly feel what your family has been tormented with. Your site is beautiful, and I envy you for the progress you have made. Good luck with your book sales and signing…all the best Sarah
THIS STORY IS SO CLOSE TO MY HEART,MY SON WAS MURDERED 4 YEARS AGO(15 YOUTHS WITH BASEBALL BATS)THE KILLERS HAVE NEVER BEEN CAUGHT EVEN THOUGH WE(INCLUDING THE COPS)KNOW HOW DID THIS,,,LACK OF PROOF.IT SEAMS TO BE THE NORMAL NOW FOR PEOPLE TO JUST TAKE A LIFE AND THEN GET AWAY WITH IT.THERE IS NO DETERANT,,THE SYSTEM JUST SENDS OUT THE MESSAGE,,HEY WE DNT WANT THE EXPENSE OF A LONG TRIAL OR THE COST OF HOUSING YOU IN PRISON SO HEY YOUR FREE TO DO WHAT YOU LIKE-WE,LL THATS HOW I AND MANY OTHERS SEE IT.I HAVE TO WALK PAST THESE KILLERS(MY SONS MURDERERS) EVERYDAY,,I WATCH THEM LAUGH N JOKE AS IF NOTHING HAS CHANGED-BUT IT HAS FOR ME,,THE PARENT IN ME WANTS TO GRAB THEM AND STOP THERE LAUGHTER AS THEY HAVE STOPPED MINE,,BUT THE MAN IN ME WONT LET ME BECOME AS THEY ARE-COLD HEARTED KILLERS.JUSTICE WILL PROVAIL-IN THIS LIFE OR THE NEXT!!!!MY WARMEST WISHES GO OUT TO YOU,YOUR FAMILY AND ALL OTHERS IN THE WORLD WITH THE SAME EMPTY SHELF IN THERE HEART!!!!!!
I got this book last night and read it cover to cover. I was impressed with Sandra’s blend of facts and feelings.
One thing this book did for me was it made me feel……anger….disgust….anguish and sadness. I know that we are never going to stop the violence. There is always going to be drunk/drugged, mentally unstable people roaming around, but can’t we as a society come together and change the process.
The appeals have allowed victims families to be put through the ringer and intimidated, only because the people who should already be behind bars are roaming around free. Its disgusting…haven’t we learned anything?
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and wish Sandra all the best in her future projects. FACT is an amazing group of people and I fully support their quest for change.
Wow, what an amazing book written by an equally amazing woman. You won’t start this book and put it down, you’ll keep reading, and you’ll cry, you’ll get angry, you’ll be shocked, and sometimes, you’ll even smile. I truly think this is a must read for all Canadians – Sandie’s words and her organization FACT can start the journey but it will take all of us to really affect the change our justice system is so desperately in need of. From victims’ rights to the judicial process… it makes you wonder how some people in that field (particularly defense attorneys) can sleep at night.
Sandie has done a remarkable job giving her beautiful son, Matthew, a voice, and through his story, a voice for all victims – they are not just media stories for the moment, they deserve to be remembered and vindicated. Well done, Sandie, I will be passing this book on to my teenage children, my extended family and my friends. Thank you for sharing your story!
I read Sandie’s book this past weekend and I can honestly say that it is the first book I haven’t been able to put down. From the first page to the last I was captured and felt as if I was given a window into all that she’s experienced. From the heart-breaking first few chapters to the latter focusing on our legal system I was totally absorbed. Hearing the tragedy she faced and the suffering that accompanied it made even me, a 20 year old male choke up. The sadness I felt for her quickly turned to a deep hatred for Quinn and her supporters. It wasn’t enough for her to take Sandie’s son, but the complete lack of remorse teamed with the disgusting and vile treatment she forced Sandie to endure is unconscionable. I won’t go into further detail, but I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed Sandie’s book and hope that it will evoke a reaction in society that will fight the current apathy. To agree with Ali, this is a book all Canadians should read.
On a personal note to you Sandie, I’m not sure what I can say that you haven’t already heard, but I am tremendously sorry for your loss and in complete aw of your will to fight for changes in our so called “Justice” system. It was wonderful to see you at the F.A.C.T. fundraiser both this year and last and I look forward to future events as well as your second book.
Andre
Sandra Martins-Toner has written an amazing, well thought out memoir about the tragic death of her son and her horrific journey through our judicial system. Her story is filled with such raw emotions and description, that it compels you to continue reading right to the end. As a reader, you become one of the family, experiencing first hand the devastating tragedy that they endured. I was deeply moved by this book, and urge all people to read and embrace it’s message. Bravo Sandra!! You are truly an inspiration to us all!!!
Hi Sandra, I admire you for your strength and courage to write this book and am truly honored to be the book and cover designer and typesetter for it. I can only hope the book gets out the very important story you have to tell and becomes one step in the many ahead for closure for you and your family. Sincerely, Sue Balcer
I read this book and can honestly say it was the best book I have ever read…I read the entire book in 1 day…Once i started it I couldn’t stop till it was at the last page….My heart goes out to you and your family…Every little boy and girl out there needs parents like you guys….Keep up the good work and I hope that Justice is served..I bet Matty is sitting up there right now saying “yup that’s my mom and dad”….